If you’re looking to scrap your car, you’re in luck! It’s never been easier to do so but a decision on where to scrap your car needs to be made as you have a few options to pick from.
If your vehicle has broken down and is too expensive to fix, or too old (without being considered a ‘classic’) to be worth reselling, then previously you would have had to pay to have your car collected and scrapped. In recent times, however, a rise in scrap metal value has coincided with legislation brought in to avoid abandoning cars, meaning that scrapping your old car will be free, or could even generate you some money in the process.
In this guide, we look at the three most popular options for where to scrap your car, giving you all the information you need to decide where you’re going to get the best deal.
Scrapping at a local scrapyard
If you’re unsure where to scrap your car, a local scrapyard might be the first place you look – somewhere familiar that you drive past regularly.
This choice offers a convenient option; it’s often easy to get to and from a local scrapper, which reduces the hassle associated.
However there are some important points to consider: it is against the law to scrap a vehicle anywhere that isn’t an authorised treatment facility (ATF), so always check your local scrapyard is an ATF before agreeing to a deal.
If your local ATF ever offers you cash for your car scrapping then do not accept it. An ATF may give you money for your vehicle but it’s illegal to be paid in cash. If your vehicle is scrapped in England or Wales, you have to be paid by bank transfer or cheque.
Finally, there is no guarantee you’ll be getting the best deal. If your car is missing essential parts, like the engine, gearbox, bodywork or wheels, an ATF can actually charge a fee. Furthermore, when an ATF has your vehicle, they can decide whether to completely scrap it or repair it and sell it themselves. It’s important to bear in mind, even though your car is old, in disrepair or doesn’t run, it could still be worth something. So before making a decision, make sure you’ve looked at multiple different offers to work out what you can expect to receive for your car.
Scrap your car with an online buyer
Not only the easiest option for scrapping your car, but an online buyer also eliminates the risks associated with dealing with a local scrapyard. The best way to scrap with buyers online is to go through a comparison site like Jamjar.
By visiting our scrap my car page, you can enter your reg number into our valuation tool and we’ll return a long list of offers based on your make and model that you can then compare and choose between.
Consider factors such as collection offers, the location of the scrapper and the amount of money they’re prepared to pay. Depending on your situation, those factors could change in importance. When you’ve made your choice, simply click on the offer you want.
By looking around for the best deal online, you also have the benefit of seeing the valuations of multiple experts, rather than one local buyer. Many offer to collect your vehicle as part of the service or for a small fee.
Scrapping for a charitable cause
The other option available to you that isn’t common knowledge is scrapping your car with charitable organisations such as Charity Car and Give A Car.
These organisations will collect your vehicle and complete the necessary paperwork, reducing your workload. They then donate the cash you would’ve received to a charity of your choice, often working with hundreds of charities including smaller, regional ones. This may be the best option for you if you are feeling particularly generous or your car hasn’t been valued at a reasonable amount for scrap. But, again, it’s worth checking the value of the car to be scrapped beforehand to be sure.
